Action Lab Danger Zone 2017
Written by Jeff Dyer & Mark McKeon
Illustrated by David Brame
Coloured by Joaquin Pereyra
Lettered by Adam Wollet
Health care for supervillains! Criminal mastermind Malady has recruited a team of down on their luck physicians to provide medical aid for the world’s worst bad guys. Led by the brilliant Ethan Sharp, the blackmailed doctors struggle to uphold their own ethical codes (or lack thereof) in violent and confusing battlefields. And when one doctor goes rogue, the rest learn a terrifying lesson from Malady.
I don’t know what’s in the water lately but there’s a lot of people drinking this kool-aid and much like Mickey D’s “I’m Loving It!” There is so much originality in stories right now that just seem to come in waves and what the boys are bringing us here fits into that groove like a well worn ‘45. Let’s hit the concept for a moment shall we the fact that this book focuses on Doctors that are treating supervillains. We’ve seen heroes turn to those who can render medical aid but unless it’s in jail never the villains so for me that’s pretty groundbreaking.
I’m not sure what possessed Jeff and Mark to place the helicarrier style hospital in the midst of the huge battles but kudos for that and for making them do that without combat pay i’m assuming. I mean while most of us would wait to wade into such a violent place these docs stride right in, well maybe strides too strong a word but you get the idea, and do triage and that is not without it’s own dangers. You’ve got heroes and villains who have no qualms about killing their opponents here so it’s literally the most dangerous zone you could walk into. It’s a great thing to see and if you want a Grey’s Anatomy or MASH style your outta luck.
The interiors here are my introduction to David’s work. I’ve been saying that a lot too lately and it’s really a fun time to be a comics fan in that regard. He’s quickly proven that he’s quite capable of dealing with a huge cast of characters and keeping the action sequences flowing on the page where the layouts, angles, perspective and backgrounds all play their vital roles nicely. He’s got a great style and I like the way the linework looks and the colouring compliment by Joaquin brings it to life.
From the characters we meet to why they are doing what they do the writing here has been nice to see. The structure of the book is solid and it’s flow moves us along after grabbing the attention in a nice way. I like that even with the introduction of the characters there is still plenty of mystery surrounding them and where they come from. The guys have only opened a door here and given us a peek at what lays beyond. It’s enough of one too that I want to know more and that makes this a very successful first issue.
With a fresh new perspective and premise the originality, creativity and uniqueness on display here more than deserves your attention.